Benayoun support for bosses

Midfielder defends under-fire managers

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 30th September 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benayoun support for bosses

Benayoun: Support to managers

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Yossi Benayoun has leapt to the defence of two under-fire Premier League managers amid widespread criticism of the bosses.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been highly criticised for his rotation policy, in particular his decision to leave Fernando Torres out of the starting team. The Spanish international was left on the bench for goalless draws against both Portsmouth and Birmingham.

Torres proved Benitez wrong when he started against Reading in the Carling Cup midweek, netting a hat-trick in their 4-2 victory.

Appreciative

Benayoun had started on the bench against Wigan on Saturday, but came on to settle the match, and he appreciates Benitez's thinking, saying he does not mind being left on the bench.

He said: "I knew before I came there would be big games I would sit out in the stand or on the bench.

"We know there has been a lot of talk about the rotation, but we don't listen to what the press say, we listen to our manager and we respect him."

The Israeli international has also defended Chelsea's manager Avram Grant after he took charge following Jose Mourinho's departure.

Potential

He played under Grant for the Israeli national team and believes he has the potential to bring success to Chelsea.

"He is a good manager. But I also understand the criticism because a big name in Mourinho went and nobody knows Avram Grant," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"But you have to be patient, give him a couple of months to prove himself, and if it's not good, then you can criticise.

"It's only the start for him. I believe in him and I am sure he will be successful there. I am sure Chelsea will play better with him, just give him time."